Technical Implementation

The application leverages native Android development using Java, building upon the open source AirplayServer project as the foundation for AirPlay protocol implementation. The solution integrates and extends this library to create a complete AirPlay receiver that seamlessly integrates with Apple’s screen mirroring ecosystem, handling device discovery through Bonjour/mDNS, connection establishment, and real-time screen streaming.

The Android application runs as a background service on TouchIT LED displays, utilizing the AirplayServer library to continuously advertise its availability as an AirPlay receiver on the local network. Custom modifications were implemented to optimize the library for TouchIT’s specific hardware requirements and educational use cases.

Customization & Optimization

The screen mirroring implementation extends the base AirplayServer functionality to handle various iOS device resolutions and orientations, with custom scaling and optimization logic for large interactive display formats. Additional layers were built on top of the open source foundation to manage TouchIT-specific features, video decoding optimization, and display rendering while maintaining low latency essential for interactive presentations.

Security enhancements were added beyond the base library capabilities to prevent unauthorized device connections and implement session management ensuring only the intended presenter maintains control. Custom network handling was implemented to manage topology changes and reconnection logic for seamless user experience across varying WiFi conditions typical in educational institutions.

Integration & Deployment

The solution leverages the TouchIT App Store for seamless distribution across all managed LED installations, eliminating complex installation and configuration processes. The background service operation ensures the AirPlay receiver remains available without user intervention, supporting spontaneous screen mirroring scenarios common in classroom and boardroom environments. Error recovery mechanisms provide automatic reconnection and fault tolerance, enhancing reliability in environments with variable network conditions.